Turlough Carolan (Irish name Toirdhealbhach Ó Cearbhalláin, 1670 - March 25, 1738) was a blind, itinerant Irish harper, composer and singer whose great fame is due to his gift for melodic composition. He was the last great Irish harper-composer and is considered by many to be Ireland's national composer. Harpers in the old Irish tradition were still living as late as 1792, as ten, including Arthur O'Neill, Patrick Quin and Denis O'Hampsey, showed up at the Belfast Harp Festival, but there is no proof of any of these being composers. Carolan's own compositions already showed influence from the style of continental classical music.

Can you imagine a child trying to learn to spell that? It would be really hard for an adult to spell as well, never mind pronounce! But somehow I find the name enchanting. But I couldn't ever use it. Too much hard work!

-- Anonymous User 8/8/2009

Um. Good luck teaching your kid how to spell this frighteningly long and weird name.